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Epigenetic dysregulation by aberrant metabolism in renal cell carcinoma can be reversed with Ascorbic acid

Niraj Shenoy1

  • 1Department of Medicine (Oncology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, USA.

Molecular & Cellular Oncology
|May 28, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Aberrant DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation impact clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) prognosis. Ascorbic acid shows potential in reversing these epigenetic changes, offering a novel anti-cancer strategy.

Area of Science:

  • Epigenetics
  • Oncology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) exhibits aberrant DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation patterns.
  • These epigenetic alterations are linked to patient prognosis and tumor progression.
  • The Ten-Eleven Translocation (TET) family of enzymes plays a crucial role in DNA demethylation and hydroxymethylation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the mechanisms and prognostic significance of DNA methylation/hydroxymethylation in ccRCC.
  • To investigate the potential of Ascorbic acid (AA) in reversing epigenetic aberrancies in ccRCC.
  • To summarize findings and discuss considerations for testing AA as an anti-cancer agent.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of DNA methylation (5-methylcytosine, 5mC) and hydroxymethylation (5-hydroxymethylcytosine, 5hmC) patterns in ccRCC.
  • Assessment of the prognostic impact of these epigenetic marks.
  • In vitro and/or in vivo studies exploring the effects of Ascorbic acid on epigenetic modifications and ccRCC progression.

Main Results:

  • Identified specific DNA methylation/hydroxymethylation signatures associated with ccRCC.
  • Demonstrated a significant correlation between these epigenetic patterns and patient outcomes.
  • Showcased Ascorbic acid's ability to reverse specific epigenetic aberrancies, potentially impacting ccRCC growth.

Conclusions:

  • Aberrant DNA methylation/hydroxymethylation are key drivers and prognostic markers in ccRCC.
  • Ascorbic acid emerges as a promising therapeutic agent for reversing epigenetic dysregulation in ccRCC.
  • Further clinical investigation of Ascorbic acid for ccRCC treatment is warranted.
Keywords:
Ascorbic acidcancerepigeneticshydroxymethylcytosinekidney cancer

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